Stanley Elkin's The Living End is a marvelously funny novel about life and death, heaven and hell. In it, the National Book Award-winning author sets into motion a divine comedy that will have you chuckling at his wry visions of celestial affairs. Ellerbee, the unassuming owner of a small liquor store, is fatally shot in a holdup. First, the Angel of Death ushers him into a wondrous heaven, but St. Peter has other, more infernal plans for this hero. After his transfer, Ellerbee discovers that hell is a busy place. Even God pays an occasional visit there. But the pep talks God delivers to its tormented residents aren't anything like what he gave to Job. Veteran narrator George Guidall provides the perfect voices for the baffled Ellerbee, dutiful angels, and tattered souls who gather before God. He'll make you feel right at home in this spirited world of sight gags, one liners, and cosmic pranks.
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"A liquor store owner and the afterlife. He's asking himself why, and at the end, you find out. I read this book when Tim O'Brien lectured at the University of Texas (it was on CSPAN) and referenced this title as an inspiration. Let's just say, it's not theology, but it is a theory." — Mike (4 out of 5 stars)
"A liquor store owner and the afterlife. He's asking himself why, and at the end, you find out. I read this book when Tim O'Brien lectured at the University of Texas (it was on CSPAN) and referenced this title as an inspiration. Let's just say, it's not theology, but it is a theory."
" Hilarious. And touching. Kinda makes me wish I were a Jew. Puts a much needed new spin on many Biblical allusions. "
" I laughed out loud. I winced. I questioned God. I felt bad for Him at the end. It was a trip, and a good one at that. "
" Not Funny & Not a good read. "
" What?? Guess I'm not the "literary" type. Back to my who-dun-it murder mysteries. "
" Part 1 is a flawless masterpiece of uncanny rightness. Parts 2 and 3 are elaborations of lesser interest, sparked by occasional moments of hilarity and an effective finale. "
" jeremy let me read half of this and took it. i don't know what happens in the end but i really like what i did read. "
" The first 50 pages are great...then he goes to Hell and it's a bore. "
" This reminded me of a shorter and smarter version of a Christopher Moore novel (no disrespect intended; believe me, Moore is no dummy). Only 3 stars because I thought it was strongest in the beginning and weakened a bit as it progressed. "
" Practically unintelligible writing. When I still could not ascertain the point of the book at 30% in, I gave up. Seriously, many passages read as gibberish. "
" Started out great but then made zero sense, could barely finish it "
" re-read April 2012. Still liked it. Maybe three and a half stars this time. "
" Absurd, like Kurt Vonnegut. "
" A guy gets murdered and ends up in both heaven and hell for parts of the book. Some pretty imaginative, pretty blasphemous stuff. "
" I expected to like this a lot, but didn't like it at all. A shame. I think it's probably an extremely clever book, and I'm sorry to Mr. Elkin that I didn't get a thing out of it. "
" just read it! An interesting twist on the simple but often overstated. A chance to laugh and cry at things that are too serious. "
" While it provided an interesting view of hell, and conversely heaven, it just was not all that interesting of a book. Crass and blasphemous does not mean it will be funny and entertaining. "
" This book is pretty funny and very bizarre. "
Stanley Lawrence Elkin (1930–1995) was an American novelist, short story writer, and essayist. His extravagant, satirical fiction revolves around American consumerism, popular culture, and male-female relationships.
George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.
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